Adjustable Base for a Multi-Purpose Scaffold

ABSTRACT

A stabilization component is described for a lightweight scaffold having a pair of ladder frames supporting an adjustable platform. Each ladder frame has two vertical supports connected by cross members. An outrigger, which is formed as a triangular frame, is releasably connected to each vertical support via a channel that fits around the vertical support and one or more mechanical fasteners. One or more ground-engaging members are removably secured to the outrigger. When installed, the outriggers increase the footprint size of the lightweight scaffold thereby reducing shaking and swaying of the lightweight scaffold.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to scaffolding and, moreparticularly, to components used for stabilizing a scaffold during use.

BACKGROUND

Lightweight scaffolds made from metal tubing are commercially availablefor use when working close to the ground. One such scaffold comprises anadjustable platform supported between two ladder frames. The platformincludes guide channels at each end that slide up and down along thevertical supports of the ladder frames. Casters insert into the lowerends of the vertical supports so that the scaffold can roll on the flooror other support surface. Also, the scaffolds are configured to bestacked vertically.

While lightweight scaffolds provide a low cost alternative to more heavyduty scaffolding when working close to the ground, such lightweightscaffolds lack the stability of more heavy duty scaffolds, particularlywhen the adjustable platform is raised high or when the scaffolds arestacked vertically. This lack of stability can be due to variousfactors, such as excess play between components of the scaffold, lack ofreinforcing, the lightweight material used for the scaffolding, and lackof a sufficiently broad base for the scaffold. Accordingly, there is aneed for ways to improve the stability of commonly used lightweightscaffolds.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to stabilization of lightweight scaffoldsthat are readily available commercially. In the exemplary embodiments,the stabilization components are configured for use with a scaffoldcomprising two ladder frames, an adjustable platform supported betweenthe two ladder frames, and ground-engaging members such as casters. Eachladder frame includes two vertical supports connected by cross members.The platform is adjustable and comprises two side rails having guidechannels at each end thereof that slide along the vertical supports.

According to one aspect of the disclosure, the lightweight scaffoldfurther comprises an outrigger releasably connected to each verticalsupport. The outrigger comprises a triangular frame. A channel, which isfixedly attached to the triangular frame, fits around the verticalsupport. One or more mechanical fasteners, such as lock pins, forexample, are used to releasably connect the channel to the verticalsupport. A first ground-engaging member (e.g., a caster) is removablysecured to the triangular frame.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a scaffoldcomprises first and second ladder frames, each of which comprises twovertical supports made of a tubular material connected by two or morecross members, and an adjustable platform configured to be supportedbetween the first and second ladder frames. Additionally, the scaffoldcomprises a triangular frame releasably connected to each verticalsupport. In this aspect, the triangular frame comprises an elongatedvertical member, a base member fixedly secured to a lower end of theelongated vertical member, a brace fixedly secured to, and extendingdiagonally between, a top end of the elongated vertical member and thebase member, and a sleeve fixedly attached to the base member.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an outrigger isprovided for a scaffold having first and second ladder frames, each ofwhich includes two vertical supports made of a tubular materialconnected by two or more cross members, an adjustable platformconfigured to be supported between the first and second ladder frames,and a triangular frame. In this aspect, the triangular frame comprisesan elongated vertical member made of a tubular material, a channelfixedly attached to the elongated vertical member and configured to fitaround the vertical support, a telescoping base member fixedly securedto a lower end of the elongated vertical member, a brace extendingbetween the telescoping base member and a top end of the elongatedvertical member, and a sleeve fixedly attached to the base member.Additionally, the outrigger further comprises first and secondground-engaging members, at least one of which is removably is securedto the sleeve.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a scaffold including two ladder framesand an adjustable platform according to one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of a side rail and guide channelfor the adjustable platform.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view a caster for the scaffold.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the compression collar.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a compression collar installed on thelower end of a vertical support to stabilize the connection between thevertical support and the caster.

FIG. 6 is a cross section through the lower end of a vertical supportwith a clamping collar installed.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a clamp.

FIG. 8 is perspective view of the clamp installed on the lower end of aguide channel to stabilize the connection between the guide channel andthe vertical support on which the guide channel slides.

FIG. 9 is a cross section through the lower end of a guide channel witha clamp installed.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the auxiliary brace.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the scaffold with the compressioncollar, clamp and auxiliary brace installed.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a section of the scaffold with astabilizer brace installed according to one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the stabilizer brace attached to aclamp, and the clamp releasably coupled to the scaffold according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a close-up view of the clamp connected to one of the verticalsupports of the scaffold according to one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the clamp according to one embodimentof the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 illustrates the scaffold having a plurality of stabilizer bracesinstalled thereon according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the scaffold with an adjustableoutrigger installed according to one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an adjustable outrigger configuredaccording to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 19A-19B are cross sections of an outrigger and a vertical supportof the scaffold according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 19C is a perspective view illustrating how an outrigger connects toa vertical support of the scaffold according to one embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view illustrating a castor assembly attached toa telescoping member of the outrigger according to one embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a multi-purposescaffold 10 according to an exemplary embodiment. The multi-purposescaffold 10 comprises two ladder frames 12 and a platform 20 supportedbetween the two ladder frames 12. The height of the platform 20 isadjustable.

Each ladder frame 12 comprises two vertical supports 14 connected by twoor more cross members 16. The vertical supports 14 and cross members 16are preferably made of a metal tubing or other tubular material. Thecross members 16 are preferably welded at each end to respective ones ofthe vertical supports 14 so that each ladder frame 12 is a unitarystructure. A series of openings 18 are formed in the vertical supports14 and are spaced 2 inches apart. As will be hereinafter described inmore detail, the openings 18 are engaged by a releasable lockingmechanism 30 on the platform 20 to secure the platform 20 at a desiredheight between the ladder frames 12.

The platform 20 comprises two side rails 22 that extend between theladder frames 12 and a deck 40 that is supported by the side rails 22.As seen in FIG. 2, the side rails 22 comprises an upper angle 22 a and alower angle 22 b connected by a vertical wall 22 c. The upper angle 22 adefines a shoulder 28 on which the deck 40 rests. The deck 40 is held inplace by security latches 42.

The side rails 22 connect at each end to a C-shaped guide channel 24sized to fit around the vertical supports 14 of the ladder frames 12.The guide channels 24 are configured to slide along the verticalsupports 14 of the ladder frames 12 at each end of the scaffold 10 toadjust the height of the platform 20. Two openings 26 are formed in theinner sidewall of each guide channel 24 near an upper end of the guidechannel 24. The openings 26 are spaced to align with the openings 18 inthe vertical supports 14 of the ladder frame 12 at preselected heights.The openings 26 in the guide channels 24 are engaged by a releasablelocking mechanism 30 on the platform 20 to secure the platform 20 at adesired height between the ladder frames 12. A third opening 28 isformed near a lower end of the guide channel 24 and aligns with anopening 18 in the vertical support 14. A locking pin 29 passes throughaligned opening 28 and 18 in the guide channel 24 and vertical support14 respectively to lock to the guide channel 24 in place. The lockingpin 29 thus provides additional safety in case the locking mechanism 30inadvertently disengages. Diagonal braces 25 connect a lower end of eachguide channel 24 to the side rail 22.

Each guide channel 24 includes a releasable locking mechanism 30 forlocking the platform 20 at a desired height. In one embodiment, thereleasable locking mechanism 30 comprises a U-shaped locking pin 32 thatengages with the aligned openings 26 and 18 in the guide channel 24 andvertical supports 14 respectively to lock the side rail 22 at a desiredheight. Each locking pin 32 includes a pair of spaced apart legs 32 aconnected by a cross member 32 b. An L-shaped bracket 34 supports thelocking pin 32. The L-shaped bracket includes a pair of openings 36through which the legs 32 a of the locking pin 32 extend. Springs 38bias surrounding each leg 32 a of the locking pin 32 bias the lockingpin 32 to a locked position. The springs 38 are compressed when thelocking pin 32 is pulled back to disengage the locking pin 32 and pushthe locking pin 32 back to an engaged position when the locking pin 32is released.

In some embodiments, the scaffold 10 includes casters 50 disposed at thelower end of each vertical support 14. Each caster 50 includes a stem 52that extends into the lower end of a vertical support 14 as shown inFIG. 3. The stem 52 of the caster 50 includes an opening 54 that islocated to align with an opening 18 in the vertical support 14 when thestem 52 of the caster 50 is inserted into the vertical support 14. Thestem 52 is sufficiently long to overlap at least two openings 18 in thelower end of the vertical support 14. A locking pin 56 passes throughaligned opening 54 and 18 in the caster 50 and vertical support 14respectively to secure the caster 50 to the vertical support 14.

In some embodiments, the scaffold 10 as herein described includes a setof compression collars 100 to remove any play that may exist between thestems 52 of the casters 50 and the vertical supports 14 as shown inFIGS. 4-6. The compression collar 100 is similar (in a geometricalsense) in shape to the vertical supports 14 and is sized to fit aroundand slide over the lower end of a vertical support 14. The collar 100includes an opening 102 that is aligned during use with one of theopenings 18 in the vertical support 14. A nut 106 aligned with theopening 102 is welded to the outer surface of the collar 100. A bolt 104is threadably engaged with the nut 106 on the collar 100. Whentightened, the end of the threaded bolt 104 contacts the stem 52 of thecaster 50 and presses the stem 52 of the caster 50 against the innerwall of the vertical support 14 to remove play between the stem 52 ofthe caster 50 and the inner wall of the vertical support 14.

In some embodiments, the caster 50 can be replaced by a footpad (notshown) or other ground-engaging member comprising a generally flat padthat contacts the ground or underlying surface and a stem that extendsinto that extends into the lower end of a vertical support 14. Thefootpad can be secured using the compression collar 100 in the samemanner as the caster 50.

In some embodiments, the scaffold 10 further comprises a set of clamps110 designed to stabilize the connections between the guide channels 24and vertical supports 14 as shown in FIGS. 7-9. The clamps 110 comprisea C-shaped channel 112 comprising flanges 114 connected by a centralmember 116. One of the flanges 114 includes an opening 118. A nut 124aligned with the opening 118 is welded to the outer surface of theflange 114. A bolt 120 is threadably engaged with the nut 124 on theflange 114. A pressure plate 122 is connected to the end of the bolt120. The pressure plate 122 may be fixedly attached or pivotallyattached (e.g., via a ball joint) to the end of the bolt 120.

In use, the C-shaped channel 112 of the clamp 110 is placed around aguide channel 24 on the adjustable platform 20 with the pressure plate122 on the open side of the guide channel 24. When the bolt 120 istightened, the pressure plate 122 engages the vertical support 14 andpresses the vertical support 14 downward into the guide channel 24 andagainst the back wall of the guide channel 24.

In some embodiments, the scaffold 10 further comprises four auxiliarybraces 130 to prevent relative movement between the ladder frames 12 andplatform due to play between the guide channels 24 and vertical supports14 as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. In one embodiments, each brace comprisesa tubular rod 132 having flanges 134 at each end that are bent at an 45degree angle approximately relative to longitudinal axis of the rod 132.Each brace 130 extends at a 45 degree angle between a respective one ofthe vertical supports 14 and a side rail 22. The flanges 134 includeopenings 136 for securing the auxiliary brace 130 to the side rail 22and vertical support 134 respectively. The ends of the auxiliary brace130 are secured by conventional bolts 138 and nuts 140. In particular,the opening 136 in the flange 134 at one end of the auxiliary brace 130aligns with one of the openings 18 in a vertical supports 14. The bolt138 passes through the aligned openings 18 and 136 in the verticalsupports 14 and flange 134 respectively and is secured by tightening thenut 140. The opening 136 in the flange 134 at the other end of theauxiliary brace 130 aligns with an opening (not shown) in the side rail22. The bolt 138 passes through the aligned openings in the side rail 22and flange 134 respectively and is secured by tightening the nut 140.

When the auxiliary brace 130 is installed, adjustment in the height ofthe platform 20 is prevented. In some embodiments, the bolt 138 and nut140 at the lower end of each brace 130 can be replaced by a quickconnect coupling so that the braces 130 can be quickly connected anddisconnected to adjust the height of the platform 20.

FIG. 12 illustrates the multi-purpose scaffold 10 configured accordingto another embodiment of the present disclosure. As in the previousembodiments, the multi-purpose scaffold 10 comprises two ladder frames12, each comprising two vertical supports 14 connected by two or morecross members 16, and an adjustable platform 20 supported between thetwo ladder frames 12. Openings 18 are formed in the vertical supports 14and are spaced 2 inches apart. As previously described, the openings 18are engaged by the releasable locking mechanism 30 on platform 20 tosecure the platform 20 at a desired height between the ladder frames 12.

In this embodiment, multi-purpose scaffold 10 also comprises one or morestabilizer braces 150 to prevent movement of the ladder frames 12relative to platform 20. The stabilizer brace 150 is similar to theauxiliary brace 130 in that each stabilizer brace 150 also comprises arigid, elongated support body, such as a tubular rod 152, having flanges154, 156 at each terminal end of rod 152. The flanges 154, 156 are bentat a 45 degree angle approximately relative to a longitudinal axis ofthe rod 152. Each stabilizer brace 150 extends at a 45 degree anglebetween a respective one of the vertical supports 14 and a side rail 22.

One end of the stabilizer brace 150 is secured to the scaffold 10 usingmechanical fasteners 158, such as a conventional bolt and nut. Inparticular, an opening (not shown but similar to opening 136 in FIG. 10)is formed in flange 154 that aligns with an opening (not shown) formedin side rail 22. The bolt passes through the aligned openings in theflange 154 and side rail 22, respectively, and is secured by tighteningthe nut.

Flange 156, however, is not connected to vertical support 14 using aconventional nuts and bolts. Rather, flange 156 is fixedly attached to aclamp 160 that, in turn, is removably attached to a vertical support 14.In particular, as seen in the embodiment of FIG. 13, flange 156 iswelded to an exterior surface of a wall 162 of clamp 160, although othermethods of fixedly attaching the flange 156 are also possible. Clamp 160fits around vertical support 14 and comprises a handle 164 configured tomove back and forth through a receiver 166. The handle 164 is alsoconfigured to rotate in both clockwise and counterclockwise directionsso as to tighten and loosen the clamp 160 from vertical support 14.

FIGS. 14-15 illustrate how clamp 160 is removably connected to verticalsupport 14 according to one embodiment. As seen in these figures, thewall 162 of clamp 160 forms a channel 174 that fits around the verticalsupport 14. Clamp 160 further comprises a pressure plate 168 pivotablyattached to a bolt 172 via a pivot member 170. In this embodiment, thepivot member 170 comprises a ball joint movably connecting the pressureplate 168 to the bolt 172.

The bolt 172 extends through the wall 162 and is attached to a receiver166. In one embodiment, bolt 172 is threadably attached to the wall 162.In other embodiments, however, bolt 172 threadably attaches to a nut 176that is fixedly attached to wall 162. In any case, bolt 172 is attachedto receiver 166 such that when a user rotates handle 164, the bolt 172also rotates to move the pressure plate 168 towards and away fromvertical support 14.

In use, the channel 174 of clamp 160 is placed around a vertical support14. Rotating the handle 164 in the clockwise direction also rotates thebolt 172, thereby causing pressure plate 168 to move towards, andengage, the vertical support 14. Continued rotation of handle 164 causesthe pressure plate 168 to press vertical support 14 against an interiorsurface 178 of wall 162. Rotating the handle 164 in thecounter-clockwise direction, however, also rotates bolt 172 therebycausing pressure plate 168 to move away from the vertical support 14.This movement releases the vertical support 14 from its pressingengagement against the back interior surface 178 of wall 162, therebyloosening the clamp 160 from vertical support 14.

It should be noted that handle 164, while facilitating the rotation ofbolt 172, is not needed. In some embodiments, such as the one seen inFIG. 15, for example, the handle 164 and receiver 166 are not present.Instead, only the bolt 172 exists. Regardless, rotating the bolt 172clockwise and counter clockwise causes the pressure plate 168 to movetowards and away from vertical support 14, as previously described.

When the stabilizer brace 150 is installed, adjustment in the height ofthe platform 20 is prevented and the stability of the multi-purposescaffold 10 is greatly enhanced. This is especially true when aplurality of stabilizer braces 150 are installed. FIG. 16, for example,illustrates an embodiment where four stabilizer braces 150 areinstalled. Further, because of its design, the stabilizer brace 150 iseasily connected and disconnected from the multi-purpose scaffold 10.

FIG. 17 illustrates another embodiment of the multi-purpose scaffold 10having a plurality of adjustable bases or “outriggers” 170 installed. Inthis embodiment, there are two outriggers 170 connected to each ladderframe 12, with one outrigger 170 releasably connected to a lower portionof each vertical support 14. As seen in FIG. 17, each outrigger 170 isinstalled so as to extend at substantially a right angle relative to alongitudinal axis of a corresponding vertical support 14 to which it isattached. So installed, the outriggers 170 help to stabilize thescaffold 10 by reducing or eliminating sway experienced by the scaffold10 when in use. This is especially beneficial when there are a pluralityof scaffolds 10 stacked vertically.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an adjustable outrigger configuredaccording to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As seen in thisembodiment, outrigger 170 comprises a triangular frame 180 that includesan elongated vertical member 182, a base member 184 fixedly secured to alower end of the elongated vertical member 182, a telescoping member 186extending from the base member 184, and a rigid diagonal brace 190extending between, and fixedly attached to, both the elongated verticalmember 182 and the base member 184. By way of example only, the diagonalbrace 190 may be welded to both the elongated vertical member 182 andthe base member 184 so as to prevent movement of these componentsrelative to each other when the outrigger 170 is connected to thescaffold 10.

Base member 184 is fixedly attached (e.g., by welding) at one end to theelongated vertical member 184. The telescoping member 186 of base member184 has a castor assembly 210 fixedly attached at one end. Thetelescoping member 186 moves back and forth along a longitudinal axis ofthe base member 184 so as to adjust (i.e., increase and decrease) thefootprint of the outrigger 170. Particularly, extending the telescopingmember 186 increases the footprint of the outrigger 170, and thus,thereby further stabililizes the scaffold 10.

The triangular frame 180 further comprises multiple casters 50 removablyattached thereto. One castor 50 is removably secured to the elongatedvertical member 182 using a compression collar 100 as previouslyillustrated in FIGS. 3-6. The other castor 50, as described later inmore detail, is removably attached to the castor assembly 210. Thecasters 50 contact the underlying ground surface, and thus, providestability for the scaffold 10 while still allowing a user to roll thescaffold 10 from place to place. In some embodiments, the casters 50 canbe replaced by a footpad (not shown) or other ground-engaging membercomprising a generally flat pad that contacts the ground or underlyingsurface. As in the previous embodiments, the footpads can be securedusing compression collar 100 in the same manner as the caster 50.

FIGS. 19A-19C illustrate one embodiment of the elongated vertical member182 in more detail. As seen in these figures, the elongated verticalmember 182 comprises a pair of flanges 202, 204 connected by a centralweb 206. The flanges 202, 204 and the central web 206 form a C-shapedchannel 200 that fits around the lower portion of a correspondingvertical support 14. Each flange 202, 204 further comprises a pluralityof openings 192 that are spaced to align with the openings 18 formed inthe vertical support 14 at preselected heights. When the verticalsupport 14 is in channel 200, a locking pin 56 may be passed through thealigned openings 192 and 18 to releasably secure the triangular frame180 of outrigger 170 to the vertical support 14. While not specificallyseen in FIGS. 19A-19C, one or more clamps, such as previously describedclamp 110, may be placed around the vertical support 14 and theelongated vertical member 182 to stabilize the connection between thevertical support 14 and the elongated vertical member 182.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view illustrating a castor assembly 210attached to one end of telescoping member 186 according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure. As seen in this figure, castorassembly 210 comprises a sleeve 212 fixedly attached (e.g., by welding)to telescoping member 186. The sleeve 212 is formed by a pair ofopposing flanges 214, 216 connected by a central web 218. The sleeve 212forms a channel 220 configured to receive a stem 228 connected to castor50.

A pair of mechanical fasteners, such as threaded bolts 222, 224, areused in this embodiment to releasably secure the castor 50 to sleeve212. In particular, a first threaded bolt 222 threadably attaches to thecentral web 218. A second threaded bolt 224 threadably attaches toflange 224. Both bolts 222 and 224 extend through the sleeve 212 so asto contact respective upper and side surfaces of stem 228.

The first threaded bolt 222 is a leveling bolt. When tightened, the endof the first threaded bolt 222 contacts the upper surface of stem 228and presses caster 50 in a downward direction. When loosened, threadedbolt 222 allows caster 50 to move in an upward direction. The threadedbolt 222 therefore allows a user to adjust the vertical height of thecaster 50 to ensure that the scaffold 10 is level, and that caster 50connects solidly with an uneven ground surface.

The second threaded bolt 224 functions to secure the stem 228 againstthe inner wall of flange 214. When tightened, the second threaded bolt224 contacts the side of stem 228 and presses the stem 228 against theinner wall surface of flange 214. Pressing the stem 228 into the innerwall of flange 214 removes play between the stem 228 and sleeve 212,thereby stabilizing scaffold 10. When loosened, the second threaded bolt224 moves away from stem 228, thereby allowing movement of the stem 228.Such movement allows for the breakdown of the castor assembly 210,and/or the replacement of castor 50 with another castor 50 or a footpad,as previously described.

To releasably connect the caster 50 to the sleeve 212, a locking pin 232is passed through openings 226 formed in the flanges 214, 216,respectively, and through a through-hole 230 formed in stem 228 that isaligned with the openings 226. In at least one embodiment, the openings226 in flanges 214, 216, are formed as elongated slots for ease ofaligning the openings 226 and the through-hole 230.

The stabilization components as herein described remove excess playbetween components of the scaffold and prevent racking to providegreater stability. The increased stability enhances worker's confidencewhen standing on the scaffold.

What is claimed is:
 1. A scaffold comprising: first and second ladderframes, each ladder frame comprising two vertical supports made of atubular material connected by two or more cross members; a platformconfigured to be supported between the first and second ladder frames;and an outrigger releasably connected to each vertical support, theoutrigger comprising: a triangular frame; a channel fixedly attached tothe triangular frame and configured to fit around the vertical support;one or more mechanical fasteners configured to releasably connect thechannel to the vertical support; and a first ground-engaging memberremovably secured to the triangular frame.
 2. The scaffold of claim 1wherein the channel comprises a pair of opposing flanges connected by acentral web, with each flange comprising one or more openings that alignwith corresponding openings formed in the vertical support when thechannel fits around the vertical support.
 3. The scaffold of claim 2further comprising one or more locking pins configured to pass throughcorresponding aligned openings in the flanges and the vertical supportto releasably connect the outrigger to the vertical support.
 4. Thescaffold of claim 1 wherein the triangular frame comprises: an elongatedvertical member; a base member fixedly secured to a lower end of theelongated vertical member, and comprising a telescoping memberconfigured to adjust a length of the base member; a brace fixedlysecured to, and extending diagonally between, a top end of the elongatedvertical member and the base member; and a sleeve fixedly attached tothe telescoping member.
 5. The scaffold of claim 4 wherein the firstground-engaging member has a stem configured to extend into the sleeve,and wherein the scaffold further comprises: an opening in the stem ofthe first ground-engaging member that aligns with a first opening formedin the sleeve; and a locking pin configured to pass through the firstopening and the opening in the stem of the first ground-engaging memberto lock the first ground engaging member to the sleeve.
 6. The scaffoldof claim 5 wherein the first opening is formed as an elongated slot. 7.The scaffold of claim 5 further comprising a bolt threadably engagedwith the sleeve that, when tightened, extends through the sleeve andpresses the stem of the first ground-engaging member against an interiorwall of the sleeve.
 8. The scaffold of claim 5 further comprising aleveling member threadably engaged with the sleeve that, when tightened,extends through the sleeve and presses on an upper surface of the stemof the first ground-engaging member to raise the base member.
 9. Thescaffold of claim 4 further comprising: a second ground-engaging memberhaving a stem configured to extend into the lower part of the elongatedvertical member; an opening in the stem of the second ground-engagingmember that aligns with an opening in the elongated vertical member; anda locking pin configured to pass through the opening in the elongatedvertical member and the opening in the stem of the secondground-engaging member to lock the second ground engaging member to theelongated vertical member.
 10. A scaffold comprising: first and secondladder frames, each ladder frame comprising two vertical supports madeof a tubular material connected by two or more cross members; anadjustable platform configured to be supported between the first andsecond ladder frames; and a triangular frame releasably connected toeach vertical support, the triangular frame comprising: an elongatedvertical member; a base member fixedly secured to a lower end of theelongated vertical member; a brace fixedly secured to, and extendingdiagonally between, a top end of the elongated vertical member and thebase member; and a sleeve fixedly attached to the base member.
 11. Thescaffold of claim 10 further comprising first and second ground-engagingmembers, wherein the first ground-engaging member is configured to beremovably secured to the triangular frame.
 12. The scaffold of claim 11wherein the first ground-engaging member comprises a stem configured toextend into a sleeve fixedly attached to the base member, and whereinwhen the stem extends into the sleeve, an opening in the stem alignswith a corresponding opening formed in the sleeve.
 13. The scaffold ofclaim 12 further comprising a locking pin configured to pass through thecorresponding slot formed in the sleeve and the opening in the stem tolock the first ground engaging member to the sleeve.
 14. The scaffold ofclaim 12 further comprising a bolt threadably engaged with the sleevethat, when tightened, extends through the sleeve and presses the stem ofthe first ground-engaging member against an interior wall of the sleeve.15. The scaffold of claim 11 wherein the second ground-engaging memberis configured to be removably secured to a lower end of a respectivevertical support.
 16. The scaffold of claim 11 wherein the secondground-engaging member is configured to be removably secured to theelongated vertical member.
 17. The scaffold of claim 10 furthercomprising an elongated C-channel fixedly attached to the verticalmember, and wherein the C-channel is configured to fit around thevertical member and to releasably connect the triangular frame to thevertical member.
 18. The scaffold of claim 17 wherein the C-channelcomprises first and second opposing flanges connected by a central web,and wherein each flange comprises an opening that aligns with acorresponding opening formed in the vertical member when the channelfits around the vertical member.
 19. The scaffold of claim 18 furthercomprising a locking pin that passes through the aligned openings in theflanges and the vertical member to releasably connect the triangularframe to the vertical member.
 20. An outrigger for a scaffold havingfirst and second ladder frames, each ladder frame comprising twovertical supports made of a tubular material connected by two or morecross members, and an adjustable platform configured to be supportedbetween the first and second ladder frames, the outrigger comprising: atriangular frame comprising: an elongated vertical member made of atubular material; a channel fixedly attached to the elongated verticalmember and configured to fit around the vertical support; a telescopingbase member fixedly secured to a lower end of the elongated verticalmember; a brace extending between the telescoping base member and a topend of the elongated vertical member; and a sleeve fixedly attached tothe base member; and first and second ground-engaging members, whereinat least one of the first and second removably is secured to the sleeve.